Theatre UNCA opens “The Importance of Being Earnest” on Nov. 8

Press release

The UNC Asheville Drama Department presents Oscar Wilde’s witty comedy, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” Nov. 8-17 in Carol Belk Theatre on campus. Subtitled “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People,” Wilde’s play illustrates his belief that “life is much too important a thing ever to talk seriously about it.”

“The plot of the play is just too silly to describe, but Wilde’s lines are so funny that you don’t really notice” according to the director, UNC Asheville Drama Professor Scott Walters. “All I know is he turns all the values of Victorian society upside down and laughs at them.”

The all-student cast is led by Jake Bowden (Jack), Jeffrey Williams (Algernon), Kathlyn Johnson (Gwendolyn), and Olivia Medoff (Cecily). The production, set in England in the 1890s, is also designed by students Anna Reidenbach (scenery), Taylor Pico (costumes), Kaylee Greenberg (lighting) and Danielle Dickinson (makeup).

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday Nov. 8-10 and Nov. 15-17, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Nov. 11. Tickets are $10 for the general public, $8 for senior citizens, and $5 for students. Reservations can be made by calling the box office at 828/232-2291, or online by clicking the “Velvet Seat” button at drama.unca.edu/theatre-unca.